selfie
/sɛl.fi/feminine, masculine
The English word 'selfie' can be translated into French as selfie. Wiktionary also lists égoportrait and autophoto.
Meaning: photographic self-portrait (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| selfie | /sɛl.fi/ | feminine, masculine |
| égoportrait | /e.ɡo.pɔʁ.tʁɛ/ | masculine |
| autophoto | /o.tɔ.fɔ.to/ /ɔ.tɔ.fɔ.to/ |
feminine |
All terms refer to a photographic self-portrait. To describe the act of taking a selfie, you can use the expression se prendre en photo, which literally means 'to take oneself in a photo'.
Which one should you use?
While selfie is the common loanword, égoportrait is the formal, official term often used in media or by language purists. Additionally, autophoto is a feminine noun used for the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word selfie is typically used as a masculine noun, appearing as un selfie. The term autophoto is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sɛl.fi/.
Did you know?
- The official term égoportrait was coined by the Office québécois de la langue française in Canada to prevent the English word 'selfie' from dominating the language.
- In some strictly Francophone circles, using the English word selfie can be seen as a sign of poor linguistic taste or 'Franglais'.
- The term égoportrait is a creative linguistic construction that uses the Greek prefix 'égo' to mean 'self', much like the English 'ego' or 'egocentric'.
Examples in context
- Prenons un selfie ensemble.Let's take a selfie together.This sentence shows how to use selfie in a suggestion to take a photo together.Tatoeba #7074579 by Micsmithel, translation #7028158 by Hybrid
- Tom a pris un selfie torse nu.Tom took a shirtless selfie.This sentence uses selfie to describe a specific type of photo.Tatoeba #7074573 by Micsmithel, translation #5274507 by Hybrid
- Sami a fait un selfie bizarre.Sami made a weird selfie.This sentence uses selfie to describe the quality of a photo.Tatoeba #7074578 by Micsmithel, translation #6806681 by OsoHombre
- J'ai pris un bel autoportrait devant la Tour Eiffel ce matin.I took a beautiful self-portrait in front of the Eiffel Tower this morning.
- La photographie de soi est devenue très populaire grâce aux réseaux sociaux.The photograph of oneself has become very popular thanks to social media.
- J'ai pris un selfie avec mes amis à la fête hier soir.I took a selfie with my friends at the party last night.
- Il adore prendre des égoportraits et les partager sur les réseaux sociaux.He loves taking selfies and sharing them on social media.
- J'ai pris une photo de moi devant cette magnifique vue.I took a photo of myself in front of this magnificent view.
- J'ai décidé de faire une photo de moi pour immortaliser ce voyage à la campagne.I decided to take a selfie to capture this countryside trip.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are visiting a famous monument.
- ManonLucas, on fait un selfie devant la tour ?Lucas, shall we take a selfie in front of the tower?
- LucasOui, bonne idée ! Souris pour le selfie.Yes, good idea! Smile for the selfie.
- ManonRegarde, ce selfie est vraiment réussi.Look, this selfie turned out really well.
- LucasC'est vrai, je vais le poster tout de suite.It's true, I'm going to post it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “selfie” translations and entries selfie, égoportrait, autophoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autophoto, selfie, égoportrait, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
